Germany’s popularity among Brits soaring

British tourists are increasingly choosing Germany for their holidays, according to the country’s Federal Statistical Office.

Figures show that the number of British tourists taking flights to Germany increased by almost six per cent in 2012 compared to 2011, making the overall number of overnight stays in hotels from foreign visitors a record-breaking 69 million.

Germany’s tourist industry has never been more thriving, with Ernst Burgbacher, a commissioner in charge of small and medium enterprises and tourism for the German government, commenting that “this emphatically underlines the huge popularity of 'Destination Germany', which is becoming increasingly attractive to people from other countries.”

In recent years there has been a concerted effort to promote Germany’s credentials as a tourist destination, opening the eyes of the world to the country’s outstanding natural beauty as well as its rich cultural heritage.

While Germany has long been a popular city break destination, with tourists drawn to the likes of Munich, Berlin and Hamburg for their history and cultural significance, Germany is increasingly being selected by tourists looking for outdoor activities and leisure breaks, including winter sports and spa breaks, with the country boasting world class facilities, excellent national parks and renowned spa towns.

With the popularity of Germany growing, and its many and varied attractions for visitors, the tourist industry is set to thrive for many years to come. Germany is aiming to surpass 80 million overnight stays by the year 2020, and at this rate it is set to achieve that comfortably.